Preventing early childhood transmission of hepatitis B in remote aboriginal communities in Northern Australia

Abstract

Background: Chronic hepatitis B is a public health concern in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory of Australia with prevalence almost four times the non-Aboriginal population. Infection is suspected to mainly occur in early life, however, the mode of transmission and vaccine effectiveness is not known in this population. WHO has set a target for hepatitis B elimination by 2030; elimination in this disproportionately affected population in Australia will require understanding of the modes of transmission and vaccine effectiveness. Methods: We conducted the study at four very remote Aboriginal communities. We approached mothers who had chronic hepatitis B and had given birth betwe..